Different Worlds

|Chapter Three|

As Ivar gave orders for his men to put things back where they had found them, the men had grumbled amongst themselves directing glares from Ivar to Kendra. Kendra looked at Ivar, shock and anger still flooding her over what had happened. Ivar looked at Kendra, sensing that something had changed within her. He couldn't figure out if it was the ordeal or the aftermath, as he followed behind. Eventually, deciding to stop and look at her.

"Kendra Stop!" he called, as Kendra came to a complete stop. Taking a deep breath before speaking.

"Are you going to come with me or not?" she asked not looking at him, keeping her eyes fixed on the mass of beds on the floor.

"Not until you look at me and we talk" he stated, using his hands to catch up to her. Ivar shifted his legs in front of him, sitting on his arse looking up at her.

"I don't want to talk Ivar, I just want to forget this had happened" Kendra stated turning on her heel to look at him.

"Keeping whatever, you are thinking or feeling in that head of yours will not help you come back from this" Ivar said now stretching his hand out to reach for her dress, getting her to look at him.

"I was scared Ivar" she crouched down in front of him. "I came here to help; my friend needed my help" Kendra gushed out before moving he hair behind her ear. "You and your men came to help, I am grateful" she looked up at him. "Hearing nuns and children scream over your men ransacking the church brings everything that scares me about your way of life to the surface" she looked at the floor.

Ivar nodding nervously, unsure of what to say. Trying his best not to say the wrong thing, possibly making things worse.

"Kendra, of course we come for you". He paused going to speak but, choosing to change his words. "You are to be my wife, I am just getting to know you" he looked up at her seeking her approval of his phrasing. He could see it in the way she sighed, he reached for her hand. "It was your first time seeing my men in action, once married my men will become your men Kendra" Ivar went to move his hand to her cheek. As much as he had wanted to touch her but decided against it, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. "It is a way of life you are not accustomed but, I hope faith that it won't at the very least startle you" he smiled at her gently.

Kendra nodding at Ivar, appreciating his words. It surprised her seeing Ivar so tender and gentle. Realisation waving through her that she barely knew the man she was to many. But, excitement at the prospect of their being so much more to witness from a man so strong and young.

"Who is it you want me to meet?" he asked, giving her a reassuring smile. Brushing a final strand of hair out of her face. "Although, I really need to get you back to bathe and rest" he let out a small laugh, Kendra laughing as well.

"I can't imagine I look my best" she smiled at him. Ivar shimmying his head followed by a shrug and a laugh.

"I wouldn't expect you to sit at dinner looking like that" he paused. Ivar's tone softening "Princess" he nodded as she smiled at him and stood back up.

"come on, I want you to meet my friend" she smiled, straightening the skirt of her dress as she walked slowly. Ivar following behind as she crouched down to the familiar bed where Elwin slept. Kendra reached her hand out to Elwin's head, moving his hair out of his of face as he slept.

"Is he yours?" Ivar asked panic on his face.

Kendra looked at him in horror "No! oh god no!" Kendra choked out "I am whole and untouched thank you Ivar" she pouted at he rolled his eyes.

"Excuse me for panicking" he looked at Elwin sleeping.

"His name is Elwin, I help and attend him when he needs me" she smiled at Ivar.